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While installing Debian with the expert installer, I tried to divide a hard drive into 17 partitions, but the installer refused to create this. I selected the default partition type, "MSDOS". The installer only continued when I went back and adjusted it to 16 partitions. I could not find any literature stating that 16 is a maximum. Is it possible to create more than 16 partitions? How?
GPT allows up to 128 partitions, however your kernel probably only reserves 16 minor numbers for partitions so creating device nodes would still be a problem.
Anyway, what can you do with partitions where logical volumes aren't a better solution?
The original SCSI subsystem only allowed for 16 partitions. PATA, SATA and USB after libata was implemented used the same subsystem which imposed the same limits. However with kernel 2.6.28+ allows for dynamic allocation so the 16 limit no longer exists.
I have not played with debian in a while but it might be the partitioning tool that still has that limitation. Might have to partition using another like sf disk using a live version.
Technically, there is no limit. Practical tests have been performed and 130 was created a few years ago. With the old IDE subsystem a single disk had 145 os installed.
I ran into this exact same problem. The 3 logical (ext3) and 16 or so (ext2) is what I had. I.decided to avoid unrecognized options in solving this for primary reasons. Simply went out and got another drive.
I dont think systems and architecture are yet ready to realize our problem. Just have to wait it out bud.
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